A Pilot Evaluation of a Telemedicine Pharmacist–Physician Management Model to Increase Access to Medication for Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders for Rural Veterans
Published online on May 04, 2026
Abstract
["The Journal of Rural Health, Volume 42, Issue 2, Spring 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nBackground\nAlcohol and opioid use disorders (AUD, OUD) cause significant morbidity and mortality among Veterans, yet only a minority receive evidence‐based treatment.\n\n\nObjective\nBeginning in February 2022, we piloted a telemedicine pharmacist–physician management model (PPMM) in 6 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care community‐based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) across one VHA Health Care System to improve rural Veteran access to medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder (MOAD).\n\n\nMethods\nVeterans with AUD and/or OUD receiving primary care in participating CBOCs during the year following implementation were eligible for referral. Data obtained from study records and VHA electronic health records assessed patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and MOAD receipt among referred Veterans.\n\n\nResults\nThere were 2274 Veterans diagnosed with AUD (n = 2062) and/or OUD (n = 307) receiving primary care from CBOCs during the study period. Of this population, 111 (4.9%) Veterans were referred and received PPMM services (AUD: n = 93; OUD: n = 9; AUD and OUD: n = 9), the mean age was 52 years, 92% were male, 68% White, and 39% lived in rural zip codes. Of the 102 Veterans referred to PPMM with AUD, 71% received medication. Of the 18 Veterans referred with OUD, 78% received medication. Most Veterans who were newly initiated on MOAD (N = 74) received medication within 72 h (N = 50, 68%).\n\n\nConclusions\nIn this pilot implementation of same‐day telemedicine PPMM, high rates of MOAD receipt were seen among referred Veterans. However, most Veterans with AUD/OUD seen in participating clinics were not referred. Further evaluation of barriers and/or facilitators to referral are needed to increase program uptake.\n\n"]